US official warns that Chinese hackers target US critical infrastructure

According to Morgan Adamski, executive director of US Cyber Command, Chinese hackers are embedding themselves in US critical infrastructure IT networks to prepare for a potential conflict with the United States. He announced that China-linked cyber operations aim to secure strategic advantages in the event of a major clash.

These operations involve compromising key networks and positioning themselves to execute disruptive attacks. Examples include manipulating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in server rooms or disrupting vital energy and water controls, officials said earlier this year.

Speaking at the Cyberwarcon security conference in Arlington, Virginia, Adamski emphasised the scale of the threat, noting that the US government has launched globally coordinated efforts to counter these operations. These efforts include offensive and defensive measures designed to degrade and disrupt China’s cyber activities worldwide. Actions range from exposing cyber campaigns to imposing sanctions and issuing cybersecurity advisories, with support from allied nations.

Earlier, US Senator Mark Warner described a suspected China-linked cyberespionage campaign, dubbed ‘Salt Typhoon,’ as the worst telecommunications hack in US history. Beijing has repeatedly denied conducting cyberattacks on US entities.